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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
I wanted to like this SO BADLY. But I did not. It was cliche, dull, and too full of pop-culture references that did nothing to move along the plot. I was definitely expecting something more polished and with a much more realistic storyline from an author who does so much research and speaks so well on non-fiction topics.
I loved the premise of this one with the medical examiner and serial killer. The Louisiana Bayou hunting scene was very well done and I felt immersed in the story like I was a part of it. The audio book production was amazing! I would have liked a little more backstory on both Wren and The Butcher so that I could have connected with the characters more. In my opinion, the cliffhanger at the end was executed perfectly! Looking forward to the second book!
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Pretty good, but I'm sure you'll like it if you you listen to the Morbid podcast. It felt very much like an episode of Bones, and really that's really all you need to know about it.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Murder
dark
tense
medium-paced
The premise of a serial killer always draws me in—especially one as cunning and intelligent as Jeremy. I’ve always been fascinated by the intricacies of how their minds work, and Jeremy fits the mold of a smart killer with a God complex. However, the author’s messy and unpolished writing style detracted from the experience.
As a native of New Orleans, I was excited to see the city as the setting. Unfortunately, the lack of research on the city stood out. For instance, Jeremy’s house is in a swampy area with a basement—something that would never exist due to flooding risks. The majority of houses does not have basement in Louisiana. The inaccuracies continue with the geography of Tulane Medical School. The medical school and the university are in different locations, yet the way the students’ housing is described doesn’t reflect reality. These details pulled me out of the story.
When it comes to the characters, Jeremy had potential as a compelling antagonist, but his "house of cards" comment felt out of character for someone so arrogant. Wren, the supposed strong protagonist, was hard to relate to because she lacked a developed backstory. The author’s attempt to portray her as a strong heroine fell flat without the foundation to support it.
This novel had an intriguing concept, but it needed more research, stronger character development, and a richer backstory to feel complete. It had potential but left me wanting so much more.
As a native of New Orleans, I was excited to see the city as the setting. Unfortunately, the lack of research on the city stood out. For instance, Jeremy’s house is in a swampy area with a basement—something that would never exist due to flooding risks. The majority of houses does not have basement in Louisiana. The inaccuracies continue with the geography of Tulane Medical School. The medical school and the university are in different locations, yet the way the students’ housing is described doesn’t reflect reality. These details pulled me out of the story.
When it comes to the characters, Jeremy had potential as a compelling antagonist, but his "house of cards" comment felt out of character for someone so arrogant. Wren, the supposed strong protagonist, was hard to relate to because she lacked a developed backstory. The author’s attempt to portray her as a strong heroine fell flat without the foundation to support it.
This novel had an intriguing concept, but it needed more research, stronger character development, and a richer backstory to feel complete. It had potential but left me wanting so much more.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Characters are easy to follow , story line is good , easy to follow . Her characters remind of The Kay Scarpetta Series by Patricia Cornwell
I want to love it. I really like it. Love Alaina, and think with experience her writing will get better.